The B Bar Ranch of Emigrant will host a fundraising event on Saturday, January 30th to benefit Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS). The annual Cross Country Ski and Lunch FUNdraiser Day will be held from 9am-4pm, with lunch being served from 11am-1pm. In the spirit of combining hands-on science education with outdoor exploration, MOSS staff will lead educational ski tours throughout the day. Tickets for this event are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 7-12, and free for those 6 and under.
All proceeds will directly benefit Montana Outdoor Science School. Advance reservations are highly recommended by calling the ranch at 406-848-7729 as space is limited. Dogs are not allowed on the Ranch property. Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) turned 21 years old in 2015 and that is now seeing a second generation of students come through its doors. MOSS’ maxim, “If they learn about it, they will love it. If they love it, they will want to take care of it” was in full force this year: the summer Outdoor Science Camps reached nearly 400 youngsters who are now more engaged in the sciences and fascinated by the natural world outside their backdoors; and MOSS School Programs provided quality natural science education in 12 schools in 2015 via multi-week programs in one-room rural schoolhouses to special programs and field days in public elementary schools. 2016 will see a host of new summer camps, including fly-fishing and outdoor photography. PIR Days and School’s Out Programs continue to be a big hit with parents and kids. “Winter Walks” are new this year. These are outdoor adventures for the whole family. The walks take place Sundays, from 1-2:30pm and are $10 for kids 11 and over and free for kids 10 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All proceeds benefit MOSS scholarship programs. Sorry, no dogs. An upcoming walk will take place on January 24th on the Bridger Foothills Trail (meets in “M” parking lot). Also, in collaboration with Thrive and Big Brothers Big Sisters, MOSS will be offering more scholarships for nominated kids. MOSS also plays host to Wild Winter Adaptations throughout the season. The next one will take place on Monday, January 25th from 9am-3:30pm at the Bozeman Fish Technology Center for $60. Those grades K-2 will cover: What is fur? Is it different from feathers? How can you tell? Come and learn how our fury and feathered friends survive the long cold winter! And for those grades 3-5: Did you know that there is a frog that freezes almost solid to survive winter and thaws out in the spring?
Come and learn how animals survive the winter in Montana! To register for any of these events or for more information, visit outdoorscience.org/. Established in 1906 and promoting sustainability, the B Bar today manages a herd of Ancient White Park cattle (from which organic, grass-finished beef is sold throughout Montana), and operates a high-altitude organic garden and greenhouse featuring heirloom varieties of vegetables and herbs. The Ranch welcomes guests and groups throughout the year who utilize the ranch for activities ranging from meetings and retreats to workshops and weddings. Guests dine on Western gourmet meals in the homey and historic dining room, where the resident chef creates a variety of feasts. Ranch-raised organic beef and vegetables are features of B Bar’s healthy and diverse menus. In the winter months, the staff grooms 20 kilometers of trails for cross-country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts. Both skate-ski lanes and classic tracks are maintained daily. Their conditions predictably offer blue wax conditions much of the winter. With advanced notice and an additional charge, the Ranch is happy to arrange guided ski and snowshoe tours, dog-sledding, and provide ski lessons on the ranch.
B Bar Ranch is located at 818 Tom Miner Creek Road in Emigrant. For more information, visit bbar.com/. •
